The Bruins point guard, who in 1964 helped John Wooden win his first national championship at UCLA, coached the team for four seasons. He was 69. Full obituaryNotable sports deaths of 2011 (Harold Matosian / Associated Press)

The heavyweight champ had epic bouts with Muhammad Ali. In 1971 he became the first fighter to defeat Ali, then lost two rematches. In his 37 professional fights, "Smokin' Joe" won 32 times. But he never accepted his 1-2 record against Ali. He was 67. Full obituaryNotable sports deaths of 2011

The heavyweight champ had epic bouts with Muhammad Ali. In 1971 he became the first fighter to defeat Ali, then lost two rematches. In his 37 professional fights, "Smokin' Joe" won 32 times. But he never accepted his 1-2 record against Ali. He was 67. Full obituaryNotable sports deaths of 2011 (AFP / Getty Image)